The push for autonomous vehicles is gaining more steam every day, and electric vehicles are selling better than ever. The idea of mobility is changing for the first time in decades, and it’s time to start considering what this could mean for all of us.

A lot of these changes are structured around the vehicle industry but it goes much further than that. The development of autonomous vehicle technology will advance our knowledge of robotics and artificial intelligence. A move away from the internal combustion engine will put more emphasis on renewable energy. These are two far-reaching but possible examples of how a change in thinking could benefit more than just vehicles.

As populations continue to rise around the world, it’s going to become more important that cities be efficient. Cities are going to become larger and this is going to cause higher congestion and a lack of parking. Autonomy within vehicles, and traffic management as a whole, will alleviate a lot of these problems.

Every vehicle will know where every other vehicle is around them. A complex satellite and drone system will enable a central traffic management system to coordinate all cars simultaneously. This will enable an unparalleled level of efficiency within the daily commute. This system can also be used for parking, allowing vehicles to park closer together.

Let’s look beyond just traffic management, though. More cars on the road will lead to a desire for more personal forms of travel. Bicycles will become more popular within cityscapes, as will the desire for quick, clean public transport.

A lack of fossil fuels in the future will eliminate the need for any internal combustion engines. This precedent is already being set by many countries, especially those involved with the Paris Agreement. A by-product of this will be cleaner air in cities and a healthier urban population. There could be an impact on the greenhouse effect as well, leading to lower carbon emissions worldwide.

Increased efficiency on the roads will also limit the need for further infrastructure, and we could even see a reduction in the amount of roads and car parks required. This will open up for land within cities for green areas, sporting venues, community hubs, and many other recreational spaces.

Ultimately, the future of mobility is uncertain. Technology is progressing at an alarming rate within the transport industry, especially in the automotive sector. You can expect a shift towards green energy, with emphasis on efficiency, safety, and autonomy. Vehicles will undoubtedly take an entirely different shape and direction in the next few decades due to this. Expect these changes to filter over into our lives and the world in general as we, as a race, move away from fossil fuels.

It’s an exciting time for mobility and humanity. Embrace change, don’t cling on to the past and enjoy what the future has in store for all of us.